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Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Blenko Glass. Holiday Gift Shopping? They have something for everyone!


Holiday Gift Shopping!
    This week I ran into one of my favorite teachers from Junior High - she mentions she still has the Blenko xmas ornaments I gifted her.  
Which leads me to random thoughts.  
     I have wonderful memories of going to Blenko with my Dad, to purchase glass for projects or gifts.
Learning about colors, and getting to know Mr. Jessie,  Mr. Shorty, Mr. Bean,  Mr. Les  these were the gentlemen who made the angels, and snowmen and other exciting creatures.
      If you haven't taken the children or the grandchildren to Blenko this year.  Do make plans to take them.   Most all summer long the observation booth is  open ( free) and they welcome visitors.  

As a child I purchase all my teacher gifts,  babysitter gifts etc. ( I had a $5 budget for each).
    I recall asking Mr. Bill as a college student,  if he could make certain items that were desirable and affordable to children would always be available.   
     For years Blenko  had boxes of critters ( $5) on the floor .   

     

These suncatchers are the newest in 2019 Blenko winter theme items.  My Mom uses these in place of ribbon on her gifts.  
    


New colorful suncatchers in Winter themes, dimensionally hand-pressed and uniquely formed. This gift set includes three window hanging ornaments or suncatchers; a 3" Snowman suncatcher in our Turquoise color, a 4" Tree suncatcher in our Cobalt color and a 3" Snowflake in our Crystal color.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving !

We hope you are with friends and family.
That your table is set with either Blenko Glass tableware or Fiesta tableware.
That you are using your lovely architectural pieces as a part of your center piece.
Blenko was made to be used!

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Collector Seeking WV Bday Vases to Complete his Collection.

We have a collector who needs 5 items to complete her WV Blenko Birthday Vase Collection.
The items he needs are:
If you have one or all of these - that need a new home.  Please send email to theblenkoproject@aol.com  Include your contact info and the asking price.
    We also have a collector looking to purchase only items made during the early days  BLENKO acid stamp she said.
     Blenko Project is a non profit made up of glass collectors with the goal of promoting all wva glass and glass craftsmen.
     We frequently assist collectors with finishing a collection, or in evaluating and selling their families glass.  No fees are charged or collected.  
2017 Blenko Bday 
1994 Bday 
1990 Bday piece 
1989 bday vase 

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Limited Edition Waterbottles.

    Nearly everyone recognizes the Blenko Glass water bottle.  Its an iconic design.
     I was surprised in 2009 to discovered the large number of people who collect the Blenko Glass Co. water bottle.
     Dean Six wasn't surprised and for a few years now, he's been doing 'limited edition " water bottles.
I'm sure this warms the hearts of water bottle collectors and those who gift the iconic water bottle.
      The latest " limited edition" is the vaseoline glass water bottle.
As a child I remember being mesmerized by this glass that kinda glows in the dark.
       Note:  Often times when an items is low in stock ( even limited edition items) they are moved to the Blenko Glass visitors center  gift shop.   So if you are told its not available - check the Visitors Center gift shop.
Not always, but many times- you'll be successful in locating an item.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Blenko Glass Angels! Getting ready for the Holidays?

Blenko Glass Angels, Snowmen, and Pine Trees make the very best gifts.   Blenko has made Angels during the Holidays for decades.
   Photo is of Blenko Angels from the past.  I haven't seen the 2019 Angels, but I'm sure they are awaiting you in the Blenko Glass Gift Shop.



Nov 21 World wide Pancreatic Cancer Day Please Wear PURPLE!

The World Pancreatic Cancer Day Countdown Clock will show you the number of days, hours, minutes & seconds until World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2019. When is the next World Pancreatic Cancer Day. World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2019 is observed on Thursday , November 21, 2019

Its a day when we are asking everyone to WEAR PURPLE!  My dad was diagnosed 7/2017with pancreatic cancer.  He was given a very short time to live.   80+ percent of people with this diagnosis do not live beyond one year.    The Pancreatic Cancer Day is a day set aside  to make others aware of this deadly disease.   So we might get more funding and additional research projects funded.
My Dad is one of the 11 percent living beyond 2 years of diagnosis.   Not every day is perfect for him, but he is alive and he is enjoying his life.   

  Please wear PURPLE,  purchase your favorite purple glass with a new meaning ( Alzheimer's and Pancreatic Cancer both share the color purple), cancer doesn't discriminate.   We must unite and fight for a cure!  
*  some of my favorite Blenko Glass items in purple!  




Saturday, November 16, 2019

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog BLENKO LAMPS

Last minute shopping?   Think BLENKO GLASS!   lamps and lighting 


Now that’s a Blenko! Make a modern statement with bold and bodacious curves.
                                              Blenko ellipse in blue 
The towering Ellipse Table Lamp is sure to demand attention in any space, especially in this year’s luscious Ruby Red.
Lamp stands 30” tall, includes a matching hand sculpted bubble finial, and a locally sourced handmade cherry wood base.
Lampshade not included. Image show with our 3718 Medium Lampshade, available in Natural Burlap or Warm White Linen. Lamp assembled with an 8” harp, choose brass or nickel finish, fits a lampshade with a brass spider fitter configuration.
*Ruby and Pawpaw are striking colors so a natural variance of hue occurs with each small batch. All received orders are matched, but if placed at a separate time may have a tonal and unique characteristic.
from www.blenkoglass.com  

Heart of Glass Blog. Blenko can help with awards, trophies etc.

Commemorate your special occasion with Blenko!


Great for any special occasion including events, awards, trophies, and more.
   Its much less costly than you might imagine to have BLENKO GLASS create special items for your company, or your wedding.  www.blenkoglass.com

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Blenko Snowmen!


 A Blenko favorite since 1971, crystal solid sculpted snowman adorned with colorful bits.  Approximately 5" Tall.
   Blenko makes the very best xmas trees, snowmen, and angels for the holidays.
The firms line is they started making these items in 197l,  I heard the craftsmen were making snowmen, angels and trees for one another ( during their lunch hour) for years prior.
Regardless you'll want to start today purchasing and then yearly add another one or two.
Nothing says Merry Christmas like BLENKO GLASS on the tables and in the windows.  

Saturday, November 09, 2019

Heart of Glass BLOG - Blenko Glass. Blenko for the Holidays!



For a decade or more Blenko Glass has been making Glass Trees.   It seems each year they become a little bit more unique   and  pleasurable to view.
  This grouping would add flair to any mantle or table décor.


Create a wild and wonderful forest with brilliant Mountain Pines. Optically swirled Evergreen, Blue and Crystal trees reaching towering heights.   ( www.blenkoglass.com) photo and script.

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Heart of Glass Blog. Blenko Glass. Wanted WVA B-day Vases.

We are in contact with several collectors seeking to complete their WVa Birthday Blenko Collection.
If you own WVa B-Day vases that need rehoming.  Please email theblenkoproject@aol.com
with a photo and asking price.
  Blenko Collector Maggie needs the following:  You may contact her at Maggie.Hyderbad@gmail.com or email the Blenko Project and we'll forward your information.

    The Blenko Project frequently connects collectors to those who are downsizing their glass collections.  Most recently we assist the family of Susan Baldock sell her WVa B-Day Collection (36 vases).  
     We have a group of  volunteers who will assist you with glass identification ( by telling you what catalogs etc to search) .  We will not do multiples for folks who buy and sell glass.  We are a non profit group of volunteers who promote WVA GLASS and all things handcrafted.








Saturday, November 02, 2019

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Holiday Sales!

A special creation for the Holidays!
Poinsettia Vase
Holiday Sale Hours:
Friday, November 29th 9am-5pm
Saturday, November 30th 9am-5pm


.
Spread good cheer this holiday season with a versatile Ruby red vessel to arrange flowers or illuminate with pillar candles. Item stands approximately 12" tall and is elevated on an Clover foot and wrapped with a matching green rim. Available in our Visitor Center Gift Shop Friday, November 29 starting at 9am.
www.blenkoglass.com  for additional information.

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog - Tips to Identify Glass

Blenko 2000 Sticker - Without the Blenko Company Website and Phone number.

Note: The 2000 sticker with the phone number and website is still being used today along with the sticker without the phone number and website and will be until supply is depleted.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog

Little Blower Man Sticker - This sticker was designed to be used on the Regal, Raindrop and Rialto lines. These can be found on other items but were intended for the above lines.
From Blenko Collectors Four

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. 'Just How Old Are You? '

Hillery,
    I have read off and on your blog about Blenko Glass for ten years.
Your photo shows no age, in fact its the same photo.
    My question is are you a real person?  If you are will you change the photo to
one that shows a mature 30 something - instead of a college undergrad?
    BTW we were at the gift shop last month.  First time in 3 years.  The place was clean, well organized and looked like a show room instead of a flea market outlet.
Please let the person in charge of marketing know this gift shop is in tip top shape.
    If you have a time, for research,  I would like to learn more about the life after Blenko for
the various designers.  Just a suggestion.
    George D.
     Mooresville NC
George,
    I won't change the photo for blog.   I will research the former Blenko Designers and post.
You are correct I'm over 30.
Recently inducted into the International College of Dentist.  This photo is from their website.  
    Your positive comments about the gift shop are most welcome.   Blenko Glass under the management of Dean Six works hard to make the gift shop, factory and grounds clean and pleasing to the general public.  The late Mr. Walter Blenko and his wife Patti were devoted to upgrading  the gift shop and signage. 
    Thank you for your interest in Blenko Glass,  for collecting Blenko and for your comments.
HJH

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Blenko Labels

Block B Blenko Sticker  -  Used from 1982 to 1999. This label was designed by John Nickerson. The orange ball represents the hot glass ball on the end of the blow pipe. The line through the B is the pipe and the B is a mold. These stickers were also used until the supply was depleted.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Blenko Glass . Heart of Glass Blog. BLENKO Cats


CATS!   Blenko employees and the Blenko Family are fond of the Blenko Cats ( half a dozen at any given time). . . can be found on the factory grounds.
New for 2019 - limited availability Gift Shop 

.available in Gift Shop 

.Charcoal Cat by Husted - NOT AVAILABLE - however, my parents are downsizing
and have two ( one green one blue) for rehoming .


Over the years many Glass Cats have been created - door stopper, small ( affordable critters) cats,
a decanter designed by Wayne Husted ( highly collectible) and most recently the water bottle
Cats ( We were told 3-4 of these are available in the Blenko Gift Shop.

       As you know if you follow this blog - Im a dog person - ONE dog for 17 years.  The infamous Miss B.   Well,  Ms B passed away on July 4 2019.   On July 5th I discovered this Russian Blue cat ( I call her,  Zoya) in my yard- she had given birth to two little black fur balls.   
      Since July 5th,  I've been feeding the family,  and searching for the owner.   The ' neighborhood story' seems to be the owner moved to Charlotte.   So now I'm officially a Cat Person ( one who is allergic to cats - so this family will be outdoor cats ) until adoptive parents are found.  
      If you, or your friends are CAT Folks - the whimsical Cat Water Bottle would be an ideal Xmas gift.  You'll want to phone Blenko Glass asap.  
      

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

BLENKO CELEBRATED CAT!

A Blenko Water Bottle inspired by those independent, fur covered, four legged spirits that often are centerpieces in our lives.   www.blenkoglass.com  
These may NOT be available - but I'd check - they are certainly unique and collectable. 


I own this little beauty - but sadly not in charcoal - from Husted.


Monday, September 16, 2019

Teal Pumpkins! Blenko Glass.


Isn't is AWESOME - that Blenko Glass teamed up with FARE to promote safe trick or treating!




This Halloween season, Blenko is happy to team up with FARE to promote safe trick-or-treating for all children! FARE's Teal Pumpkin Project promotes a safe alternative for food allergy sensitivities by providing an inclusive map where non-food Halloween treats and toys and allergy-friendly candy, which is free of the top 9 allergens (including sesame), are available. A Teal Pumpkin placed on your doorstep is an indicator of this participation.

Explore Blenko's four shapes and sizes to choose from, all blown with our turquoise glass and topped with a solid optic stem. A $5 donation goes towards FARE with each purchase. FARE is a national nonprofit organization with headquarters in McLean, VA.

Find more information about Food Allergy Research & Education
HERE
From www.blenkoglass.com

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Blenko Discontinued Items - 25% off

WOW - more a couple of these and I am  coveting!





Blenko is  currently creating shelf space for our new items and in doing so we are discontinuing some of our products. We are excited to clear room for our new work which we will be unveiling in the coming weeks and months and we are excited to pass these savings on our discontinued items on to you!  Since items are being discontinued, we will only sell the quantities that we currently have in stock. Check out these items and order while supplies last!

* Message from email / Blenko Glass

shop www.blenkoglass.com